Located to the south of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Temple of Literature was founded in 1070, almost 1000 years ago, by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong as a temple to worship the Chinese philosopher Confucius.
One of the first places we visited in Hanoi was the Temple of Literature, located within the historic quarter.
About the Temple of Literature
The Văn Miếu was built in 1070 and was reconstructed during the Trần dynasty (1225–1400) and in the subsequent dynasties. For nearly two centuries, despite wars and disasters, the temple has preserved ancient architectural styles of many dynasties as well as precious relics. Major restorations have taken place in 1920, 1954 and 2000.
In 1076, Vietnam’s first university, the “Quốc Tử Giám” or Imperial Academy, was established within the temple during the reign of Lý Nhân Tông to educate Vietnam’s bureaucrats, nobles, royalty, and other members of the elite. The university remained open from 1076 to 1779. In 1802, the Nguyễn dynasty’s monarchs founded the Huế capital where they established a new imperial academy. The academy at the Hanoi temple lost its prominence and became a school of the Hoài Đức District.
Under the French protectorate, the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám was registered as a Monument historique in 1906. From 1945 to 1954, the French demolished parts of the temple to make additional room for the Saint Paul Hospital since the hospital’s capacity was full during times of war.
The Temple of Literature is surrounded by roads and is in the midst of the densely packed Old Quarter of Hanoi. As soon as we passed through the main gate it was as if we entered another world. It was peaceful and serene.
The complex is divided into five courtyards, a typical configuration for Confucian temples.
First Courtyard
The first courtyard extends from the Great Portico to the Đại Trung, which is flanked by two smaller gates: the Đạt Tài gate and the Thành Đức gate.
Second Courtyard
The second courtyard is known as the great central courtyard or sometimes the courtyard of great success. It features the Khuê Văn pavilion, a unique architectural work built in 1805 and a symbol of present-day Hanoi. The Khuê Văn pavilion is built on four white-washed stone stilts. At the top is a red colour with two circular windows and an elaborate roof. Inside, a bronze bell hangs from the ceiling to be rung on auspicious occasions. Many poetic phrases preserved on the pavilion glorify Vietnamese traditional culture. Beside the Khuê Văn pavilion are the Súc Văn gate and the Bi Văn gate. These two gates are dedicated to the beauty of literature, both its content and its form. In the first and second courtyards, there are topiaries (bushes that are cut into particular shapes) that represent the 12 zodiac animals.
Third Courtyard
We quickly passed through the first two courtyards as there was not much to see, but things hotted up as we entered the third courtyard.
At the heart of the courtyard is the Well of Heavenly Clarity, which is a very large pond. Its square shape represents the earth, while the circle at the top of the Pavilion of Constellation represents the sky. Together, they symbolize the harmony between the sky and earth.
Over the side of the courtyard is a house full of stelae on stone turtles. The construction of the stone stelae began in 1484 under the Emperor Lê Thánh Tông. He erected 116 steles of carved blue stone turtles with elaborate motifs to honour talent and encourage study. The Turtle is one of the nation’s four holy creatures – the others are the Dragon, the Unicorn and the Phoenix. The turtle is a symbol of longevity and wisdom. The shape and size of the turtle changed over time.
Of the 116 stelea only 82 remain, the rest were destroyed during the various conflicts that have impacted Vietnam.
The etchings on the stelae are praise of Confucianism and the Emperor, along with information about the examinations and scholars in the past. They are a valuable resource for the study of history, culture, education, society, and sculpture in Vietnam. These stelae were listed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2011.
Fourth Courtyard
We entered the fourth courtyard through the Đại Thành Gate. On either side are two smaller gates: Kim Thanh Gate and the Ngọc Chấn Gate.
This courtyard is the ceremonial heart of the complex. In this courtyard are the House of Ceremonies and the sanctuary to Confucius. In the middle of the sanctuary is a typical altar with a pair of cranes on either side and a turtle. They are considered to be good friends and present a desire for harmony and eternity.
Fifth Courtyard
In 1077, Emperor Lý Nhân Tông ordered the construction of an imperial academy as a fifth courtyard. Literate mandarins were selected as students. Over the centuries the buildings in this courtyard were expanded to include more classrooms and 25 dormitory rooms. The Khải Thánh shrine was built to honour the parents of Confucius.
The buildings of the fifth courtyard were destroyed in 1946 during the first Indochina War. In 2000 there was a project to rebuild the fifth courtyard. The design was based on traditional architecture. Several buildings were constructed including the front, rear, left and right buildings, a bell house and a drum house.
Planning your visit to the Temple of Literature
The best time to visit Ha Noi
In Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, there is a subtropical climate, with very mild winters and hot, humid and rainy summers. The sun shines quite rarely. The rainiest period is from June to September, due to the monsoon of Southeast Asia.
The best time to visit Ha Noi
For those looking to experience Hanoi’s comfortable weather, October and November prove ideal. During these months, temperatures range from 19.3°C (66.7°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F) accompanied by a moderate amount of rainfall ranging between 20mm (0.79″) and 46mm (1.81″). Sunshine duration ranges from 5.1 to 6.9 hours, providing plenty of daylight to explore the city’s historic charm and natural beauty.
The worst time to visit Ha Noi
August could be considered an unfavorable time to plan a visit to Hanoi. The city receives the highest rainfall during this month, averaging around 135mm (5.31″). Consequently, the relative humidity also peaks during this time, reaching 80%. July and August experience similarly high humidity, but July generally sees slightly less rainfall. Despite this, the robust temperatures from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) could still appeal to those who enjoy tropical climate conditions.
Vegan dining in Ha Noi
Finding somewhere that serves good vegan and vegetarian food in Vietnam can be challenging. Luckily, in Hanoi, there are more options for those wanting to eat plant-based meals or vegetarian dishes. Below are some ideas for restaurants with an excellent variety of vegan/vegetarian options.
1. Ưu Đàm Chay
Located in the south of Hanoi’s French Quarter, Vegan Uu Dam is an all-vegan restaurant with multiple floors and a green garden. Not all dishes here are vegan – so it is worth asking the staff to highlight those that are.
- 55 Nguyen Du Street, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
- 10h30 to 21h30
- (+84) 98 134 9898
2. Vị Lai Vegan Restaurant
Nested quietly on a lane off the Ly Thuong Kiet street of Hanoi French Quarter. Vi Lai Vegan is among the most well-known vegan restaurants for veggies in the city. The restaurant has a lovely, peaceful setting with lovely koi ponds and lily pads.
- 67 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- 9h30 to 22h00
- 0853 535 656
3. Om Hanoi: Yoga & Cafe
Om Vegan Restaurant is set in a spacious garden in the northern part of the city, it’s located between the West Lake and Red River. It serves an abundant variety of local vegan dishes.
- 62 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- 8h30 to 20h30
- (+84) 90 411 3637
4. Sadhu Vegetarian Restaurant
Vegans are also well catered to, just be sure to explain to the staff, who speak good English.
- 87 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- 10h30 to 22h0
- (+84) 98 199 5586
5. Cai Mam Bistro – Signature Vegan
For wandering around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake or the charming Silk Street, Cai Mam Bistro – Signature Vegan could be an ideal vegan restaurant to stop by for a vegan meal.
Cai Mam offers an à la carte and a tasting set menu with innovative dishes, including walnut seeds and seaweed salad, grilled pumpkin soup, brown rice with coconut juice, and braised mushrooms.
- 05 Luong Van Can Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
- 10h30 to 22h00
- (+84) 36 790 800
6. Chayfood
The ‘Chayfood’ is a vegan restaurant located on the eastern fringe of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, it’s just steps away from the famous Café Giang’s egg coffee on Nguyen Huu Huan Street, and about 5 minutes walking from the red bridge at Ngoc Son Temple.
- 66 Nguyen Huu Huan, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- 6h00 – 22h00
Where to stay in Ha Noi
Finding somewhere that serves good vegan and vegetarian food in Vietnam can be challenging. Luckily, in Hanoi, there are more options for those wanting to eat plant-based meals or vegetarian dishes. Below are some ideas for restaurants with an excellent variety of vegan/vegetarian options.
1. The Old Quater
For travel rookies, the Old Quarter of Hanoi can be somewhat of a culture shock. It is loud, busy and chaotic. At first, you might not like it, but it is worth sticking with. Nowhere else will you be exposed so quickly to so many facets of what it means to live in Hanoi!
The streets are narrow and filled with scooters, bikes and every other form of transport possible. Crossing the street can be a bit hair-raising at first, but getting used to it can be fun.
There are plenty of shops selling mostly knock-offs of branded goods. That said a lot of the world’s clothing brands have their goods manufactured in Vietnam – so even these ‘off’ brand products can be of reasonable quality.
There are plenty of places to eat in the Old Quarter – many targeting visitors – but you can still eat here cheaply.
1. Luxury – Melia Hanoi
Located in Hanoi’s City Center, Melia Hanoi is 2133 feet from Hoan Kiem Lake and Thang Long Water Puppet Theater. It offers a casino, outdoor pool and spa. Free parking is provided.
Modern rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. A safety deposit box and tea/coffee making facilities are provided. 24-hour room service is offered daily.
2. Mid Range – Eliana Ruby Hotel & Travel
Located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Eliana Ruby Hotel & Travel is a minutes’ walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. It features soundproofed rooms fitted with internet-accessible computers. Free WiFi is also provided.
Eliana Ruby Hotel & Travel is a 15-minute drive from Hanoi Railway and Bus Station. Noi Bai International Airport is 35 minutes away by car.
3. Budget – Hanoi Backpackers Hostel
Featuring a bar, Hanoi Backpackers Hostel & Rooftop bar is located in the center of Hanoi, a 5-minute walk from Hanoi Old City Gate. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The property has a concierge service, a tour desk and currency exchange for guests.
2. The French Quarter
French Quarter Hanoi is a historic neighbourhood in Vietnam’s capital city that was built during the French colonial period. The area features beautiful French architecture, leafy boulevards, and luxurious boutiques, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
The French Quarter Hanoi spans approximately 800 hectares and serves as a bustling hub at the centre of the city, situated southeast of Hoan Kiem Lake. A stroll along its streets reveals a plethora of yellow-painted houses with charming Parisian street style.
1. Luxury – Capella Hanoi
Located in Hanoi and with Hanoi Opera House reachable within a 4-minute walk, Capella Hanoi provides express check-in and check-out, allergy-free rooms, a restaurant, free throughout the property and a fitness centre. Each room at the 5-star hotel has city views, and guests can enjoy access to a terrace and a bar. The hotel features an indoor pool, sauna, evening entertainment and a 24-hour front desk.
2. Mid Range – Hanoi Elpis Hotel & Spa
Located in Hanoi, a 5-minute walk from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Hanoi Elpis Hotel & Spa provides accommodations with a restaurant, private parking and a bar. This 3-star hotel offers room service and a tour desk. The property has a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, a shared kitchen and free Wi throughout the property.
3. Budget – Valentine Hotel Hanoi
Conveniently set in the center of Hanoi, Valentine Hotel Hanoi provides free WiFi, a garden and free private parking for guests who drive. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and room service.
3. West Lake
Located in the northwestern center of Hanoi, the West Lake is the largest lake of the capital city, with a shore length of 17 kilometers and 500 hectares in area. It was originally a part of the nearby Red River. Frequent floods and erosions resulted in its current location nowadays.
The West Lake had many names in the past including Kim Nguu Lake, Mu Suong Lake, and Xac Cao Pond.
Along the shoreline of Hanoi’s West Lake, besides Vietnamese historical sites, there are many hotels, restaurants, and cafes built in Western architectural styles.
Below are listed some ideas of places to stay during your visit to Hanoi.
1. Luxury – GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi
Located in Hanoi, a 2-minute walk from St. Joseph Cathedral, GRAND HOTEL du LAC Hanoi has accommodations with a restaurant, private parking, a fitness center and a terrace. Featuring a bar, the hotel is close to several noted attractions, around an 8-minute walk from Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, 700 yards from Trang Tien Plaza and a 5-minute walk from Hoan Kiem Lake. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests.
2. Mid Range – Sun Clover Boutique Hotel
Featuring a garden, Sun Clover Boutique Hotel is located in Hanoi in the Ha Noi Municipality region, a 9-minute walk from West Lake and 0.9 miles from Quan Thanh Temple. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a shared kitchen. There is free private parking and the property has paid airport shuttle service.
3. Budget – A25 Hotel – 30 An DươngOpens in new window
A25 Hotel – 30 An Dương is located in Hanoi about 1312 feet from Truc Bach Lake. It provides comfortable accommodations with free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. The hotel provides an airport shuttle service on request.
Located in Central Hanoi, the hotel is also just 1.9 mi from popular attractions like the Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and the Huc Bridge. The Temple of Literature, the Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda are about 2.5 mi from the hotel.